With Hari Raya fast approaching, many Malays are preparing to give money packets. These days, the typical notes used for duit raya are RM5, RM10, RM20, or even RM50 if you can afford it – but have you ever seen a RM60 banknote?
Recently, Twitter user Deem Crucial shared a look at his duit raya with a post captioned, “Selamat hari ghayaeee in advance”. However, unlike the standard-issued bank notes that most are familiar with, the note in the green packet was a RM60 note. The note is yellowish-green in colour and has “RM60” written on the top left corner. Although cut off in the photo, the centre of the note is visible and includes images of the former kings of Malaysia.
Unfortunately, the Twitter user never mentioned where or how he got the banknote. However, if you’re wondering if the RM60 note is legitimate – it is! The RM60 note is a commemorative bill, issued by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in 2017 for the 60th anniversary of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement. It was sold to the public at RM120 per piece. Given the special occasion, the bill is very rare, with only 60,000 single units printed.
Many netizens have since reacted to the RM60 note, mostly expressing awe over the rare bill. Some said they would also like to own the rare bill, saying they would likely frame it if in their possession. Others also advised the Twitter user to take good care of the RM60, noting its value. Funnily enough, another Twitter user one-upped the original post, showing off an even bigger collection of rare Malaysian banknotes.
The RM60 was one of three special notes issued by BNM for the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement’s 60th anniversary. The other two were a large RM600 note, which is also the largest banknote in the world, and an uncut 3-in-1 RM60 note. The two banknotes were sold for RM1,700 and RM500 each, respectively, but some resellers have placed them for sale for upwards of RM55,000.
Perhaps in a couple more years, we might see a RM700 or a RM70 note for Malaysia’s 70th Independence Day. Would you try getting your hands on these rare banknotes?
Sources: Twitter, Bank Negara Malaysia
